Here is an update on one of my favorite artists. Father John Misty is back, about to release a new album next year. He recently performed on Letterman, in typical obscure fashion. Per usual, FJM’s live performances are something to witness; his humor is dark, strange, and hilarious. I believe his lyrical cynicism is one not be rivaled. Father John Misty tells it how it is without using easy euphemisms and industry bullshit. I thoroughly enjoy his artistry, his last album (Fear Fun), and the idea that he is putting out new material.

Run The Jewels 2 is the best early Christmas present I have ever received. While partying at the BroHaus last night I was put on to this devastating album. Killer Mike and El-P have done it again, yeap. Here they offer examples of crushing beats, über cranial lyrics, and the most unexpected and interesting guest spots of right now. And what do we pay for it? Run The Jewels 2 is absolutely free (if you want it to be). I would say more, but just listen…

Waking up this morning, after the run and such, I was brought to a smile by something I so effortlessly had stumbled upon. The smile was from understanding, and newly rediscovering what artistry and creativity had been harboring in my hometown area. I found an artist I had been following for sometime, I had reintroduced my ears to Hyphon.

I was intrigued and pleasantly surprised.

I did something, just a click, and sat back to listen. I found myself mesmerized for the next couple of minutes, and in a better way, more open-minded to my surroundings. I thought of Hyphon’s lyrics, I felt at a coffee shop, reading a book, I felt the general idea of expanding my mind, my situation, and my musical diversity. I felt comforted at the sound of growth, at the use of imagination, and something even more, a piece of La Crosse, at an artist from my birth place stretching the boundaries and producing a unique sound that I could feel comfortable listening to anywhere.

I had been sitting on this song, and then we realize hesitation kills. I had been forgetful when thinking about time I had spent perusing the ever interactive internet, the time we all had spent. I found myself listening to a song by Hyphon, I found myself satisfied with the lyrics (use of words, vocab), sound, and production. He is an acquaintance, an artist, and he has motivated me today, especially, to search for more. To indulge in what we would normally pass up. I invite you to click and listen. You will be taken somewhere, and wherever it is, at least you went. We all go learning something new along the way, learn today that there is artistry everywhere, especially in La Crosse. All one has to do is open their ears-have a listen.

I have probably said enough, maybe not, but you do owe yourself a listen. It is worth your time.

The release for The Mars Volta’s new album is only one week away (Tuesday, June 23rd), but all the diehards who aren’t complete audiophiles can get their fix early by streaming the album the album online here! Treat yourself today: tune in and turn up!

If you don’t know, now you know. Thanks to Toki’s laid back flow and impeccable consistency, he’s ballin’ even bigger than ever.

This has been a long time coming; after what seems like ages spent toiling in liquor-soaked clubs and paying his dues in the Twin Cities, my man Toki Wright has been hooked up with a nationwide distribution deal via the hometown hip-hop heroes at Rhymesayers Entertainment. It’s been a long climb out of the depths of the underground, but now Toki Wright jams are literally available via every major retailer in the U.S.! If you’re local, get down to Fifth Element now to support the release of A Different Mirror; the release party starts at 6pm.